Effect of Air/Biomass Ratio on the Gasification of Olive Bagasse Particles

Abstract—In this experimental study the evolution of gas characteristics during the gasification of olive bagasse particles was investigated using a semi-batch fluidized-bed gasifier. Sand particles with a mean diameter of 375 μm were used as bed material and an air flow was used as the fluidizing agent. Experimental tests were conducted with particles of diameter ranging from in 1.25 to 2 mm. The material was characterised through elemental and proximate analysis, and the higher heating value was also measured. In each run, the major components of the gas phase were identified as CO, CO2, H2, CH4, O2 and N2. Gaseous samples were collected and analysed by gas chromatography (Dani 1000 DPC). The effect of air/biomass ratio on gasification performance was studied. The tests were conducted at three different air flow rates and the load of biomass was also changed. The results show that the of air flow increases the H2, CO and CH4 content in the producer gas. Results also show an increase in the dry gas yield, carbon conversion and the gas heating values as air flow rate decreases. Findings reveal as well that the increase of biomass load reduces the composition in H2 CO and CH4 of the producer gas, leading to the decrease of the gasification performance parameters.